The Mood & Fatigue Formula from HERBALmax™ is a natural mood stabilizer designed to help those with bipolar disorder and bipolar-like symptoms such as mood swings, excessive anger or depression, worrying and rumination, PMS, and chronic fatigue. As one of HERBALmax’s best-selling products, the Mood & Fatigue Formula has shown exceptional effectiveness in relieving everything from hyperactivity and lethargy to agitation and anger outbursts.

In Dr. Zhang’s clinical experience, most patients start feeling better in just 1-2 days, with effectiveness gradually increasing over the next 1-2 weeks. Like all HERBALmax™ products, the Mood & Fatigue Formula is a safe, non-addictive herbal remedy containing 100% natural ingredients selected according to the highest standards.

Disclaimer: Severe depression can be a dangerous condition. If symptoms persist, contact your physician. HERBALmax products are dietary supplements. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Directions for Use:

Adults and children age 13 and older:
3 capsules in the morning. Add 2 capsule in the afternoon if needed.Children ages 9-12:
2 capsules every morning. Add 1 capsule in the afternoon if needed.

Mood swings are abrupt or excessive changes in frame of mind. They can vary from slight shifts in disposition to wild swings between mania and depression. The former is a universal experience, but the latter is symptomatic of bipolar disorder and can be alarmingly disruptive to one’s life, health and relationships. Hormonal changes and varying life situations can cause unpredictable shifts in temperament, but more extreme or frequent mood swings may be signs of a mood disorder.

Millions of Americans are prescribed antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-epileptic medications to combat their seemingly uncontrollable ups and downs. Millions more struggle with mild to moderate fluctuations in emotion that may yield bad decisions or strain relationships, but don’t merit a prescription. According to national surveys, approximately 60% of those with mood disorders are never diagnosed or never seek treatment.

b. Causes

Moods are believed to result from interacting chemicals in the brain, and mood swings from associated chemical imbalances. Women, who experience more hormonal fluctuation due to menstruation, pregnancies and menopause, encounter mood swings at twice the rate men do. Hormonal imbalance often plays a role in fatigue as well, which is why mood swings and fatigue often go hand-in-hand.

c. Signs and Symptoms

Although these rapid shifts in emotion may at first take most by surprise, over time people start to notice signs and symptoms that can be associated with their mood swings. Some of these include:

Changing sleep patterns

Low energy levels

Less self-esteem

Impaired concentration

Reduced sex drive

Increased alcohol or drug use

It is also possible to discover particular “trigger” situations or events that tend to provoke mood swings. Potential triggers include holiday seasons, stressful situations at work, sleep deprivation, jetlag, or seasonal patterns.

d. Treatment

When it comes to treatment, there are not many alternatives aside from prescription medication. From various antipsychotics to antidepressants to anticonvulsants, there exists a wide range of synthetic mood stabilizers. Most of them work by directly altering brain signal transmission to control emotional states and behavior. Unfortunately this also leads to a number of side effects. Most commonly, psychiatric remedies may cause weight gain, a fine tremor in the hands, and an overall dazed or ill feeling, all of which tend to persist throughout treatment. In addition, since many antipsychotics and other mood stabilizers essentially slow down the brain to prevent manic emotions, they may cause chronic lethargy and depression. This, in turn, may create an aversion to prolonged social interaction or exposure to strong sunlight. Movement disorders are also a relatively common issue when dealing with antipsychotics. This may mean anything from the inability to sit still to gross lack of coordination to contorted twisting of the muscles. Few psychotherapeutic mood stabilizers are safe for pregnant women, and many are explicitly known to cause birth defects. There is also a high possibility of toxicity overdose for those in ongoing therapy, which may cause death.

Lithium is the most commonly used mood stabilizer: highly effective for treating mania, less so for mixed episodes or rapid cycling forms of bipolar disorder. Common side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, thyroid problems, cognitive impairment, nausea, and diarrhea. Anticonvulsant medications such as valproic acid (i.e., Depakote and Depakene) serve as good alternatives to lithium for treating bipolar-like symptoms. Although valproic acid does not have the more serious side effects that lithium does, they share basic physical ailments such as diarrhea, nausea, weight gain, and drowsiness. Antidepressants, though one commonly used to treat bipolar depression, are now to be used with caution as they may trigger mania and increase mood cycling.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy provide a non-medication approach to mood stabilization. Traditional CBT involves undergoing therapy to address dysfunctional emotions or cognitive processes. Over time, patients can learn to control their reactions to situations and provide different responses to common mood triggers. Psychotherapy also espouses a generally improved way of thinking, including a more positive and measured outlook. However, it is a prolonged process that requires extensive and consistent participation. Recommended programs suggest up to 18 hour-long sessions, spaced with a gap of around 1-3 weeks each, and follow-up booster sessions. Less intensive alternatives such as computerized CBT or self-help materials have debatable efficacy. Cost may also be an issue, as sessions may cost between $120 and $150 each.

Natural mood stabilizers and homeopathic remedies have also been found to help balance moods and promote tranquility. Experts suggest adopting a healthier diet that is low in fat and sugar. Others suggest aromatherapy for de-stressing and daily exercise to impart energy and a more positive attitude. Organic approaches such as St. John’s wort, kava kava and passionflower are commonly-used herbal alternatives and have shown some efficacy. However, kava and St. John’s wort interacts negatively with other medications, and St. John’s wort has recently been banned in France for that reason. In addition, kava cannot be taken with alcohol or if the user has liver complications.